there for me (shourtney)

lxi.

shayne's pov - 

I knew exactly what my plan was. 

Walking quickly down the street, I called the Japanese place and made my order. 

"I'll be there in twenty." I said, echoing their confirmation of the wait time. I grinned to myself as I slunk past the windows of the restaurant. I was honest when I said it was a few minutes to walk to. It just wasn't my only destination.

I pulled out the folded paper from my pocket, a scrap of a page from my notebook. Scribbled on it was the address Jax found for me. Looks like I go down this block and make a right. 

After I hung a sharp right on the next corner, I found the shop I was looking for. Wedged between an artisan bakery with wide windows, and a bright green tavern. The place I stood in front of was painted a beautiful shade of peach. White shudders and scalloped roof shingles accentuated it's charm. A scripted, wooden sign hung above the door - Theo's. 

I peered inside the window as I hovered outside. Nothing to be scared of. I reminded myself. Holding my breath, I stepped toward the entrance. Are you ready? 

Opening the door, a surge of nervous energy ran through me when I noticed I was the only customer. I pressed my fingertips into my palms. Feel this. You're still okay. 

The store was small. Glass cases upon glass cases stood on grey carpeted floor. The sun shining through the front window cast tiny rainbows on the walls. Glimmering off of the glass cases and the contents inside. 

"Shayne?" A man approached me. Jeans and a black shirt. Dark sneakers. Bright blonde hair. A smile to show off his white teeth. 

"Yeah. Hi - um - did Jax call you?" I asked. You seem like a chill dude. 

"He did." He laughed. "I'm his buddy, Theo. He told me you might pop in today." 

"Oh great. Awesome." I smiled and shook his hand. 

"So you're up here for the week? Did you bring - oh shit he told me her name - uh ..." Theo stumbled over his words. 

"Courtney." I beamed. How much did Jax tell you? "Yes. She's up here with me. Back at the airbnb."

"Close to here?" He asked. 

"Over on Lombard. I stayed there a bit here and there a few years ago working on projects." I said. Smiling as I pointed with my thumb over my shoulder. 

"Beautiful." He sighed and grinned. "So, you have some time off work?" He asked as he crossed his hands over his chest, widening his stance. 

I nodded. "A week. I talked with my boss a few days ago. You know, made my case, pulled some strings, hit him where I knew he'd crumble." I smiled.

"As you should." Theo laughed. 

I chuckled. "Yeah, so he got it approved. And the whole office gets time off. Which is great." 

"Does .. Courtney." He squinted his eyes as he said her name, I smiled and nodded. That's her. "Does Courtney know it was you who made it happen?" 

I shook my head 'no'. "She doesn't. She just knows I was eager to get out here to San Francisco. I just told her it's a fun escape. Which is true, it is. But she doesn't know I'm really here to meet you."

"Ah, smooth talker." He smiled and pointed a finger at me. "Well come over here." He motioned for me to follow him. "I picked out some things for you to look over. Styles from all across the board. Just to see what appeals to you."

He stood behind a glass case and gestured over it. 

Longing set over me again. What do you think?

"I like this one the most." I pointed at the leftmost object. "Maybe something a little less .. um .. " I struggled to find the right words. 

"I think I have something in mind. Stay right here." Theo grinned, flattening his palms vertically so I'd stay. I nodded. Watching with curious eyes as he walked to a glass covered tray a few cases over. He gently pulled out a small object, laying it in his palm as he walked back to me. 

He smiled as he brought it into my view. Watching me as I pinched myself, trying not to cry. Wow, I didn't think it would get to me like this. I let out a breathy laugh as I looked up at Theo. 

"Can I - can I hold it?" I asked. Why am I nervous?

"Of course." He handed it over. 

I held the delicate object in my hand. A tiny, thin sterling silver band. But despite it's fragile appearance, I knew it was durable. What caught my eyes was the single, small, diamond that sat on the band. It sparkled as I held it up to the sun. It's simple and it's Courtney.

"How did you know?" I laughed as I looked up at Theo. "No wonder you're in this business. You read minds, man." 

He chuckled. "Hey, this isn't my first rodeo." He took a breath. "So, what are you thinking?" He asked gently. 

"I'm thinking that I want to buy it." I smiled and looked at Theo. The words he said in response didn't register with me, they sounded like static. The only thing pinning me to reality was the ring I held in my hand.

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:) hope you enjoyed!